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Finland Gains a Rail Connection to Europe
Finland is getting its first rail connection to Europe via Sweden. The new line allows for train travel from northern Finland to Portugal in just over 24 hours.
TL;DR
- A new railway line connecting Tornio, Finland, and Haparanda, Sweden, is set to open in June.
- The connection overcomes the historical track gauge difference between Finland (1524 mm) and Sweden (1435 mm).
- Passengers will transfer at the renovated Haparanda station, using Finnish trains from VR Group and Swedish trains from Norrtåg.
- This link enables a continuous train journey from northern Finland to southern Portugal, one of the EU's longest possible rail routes.
- The route offers direct connections to cities like Rovaniemi and Oulu, and serves as an alternative to ferries and flights.